Comparative Effects of Cadence Training vs Elliptical Training in Cricketers

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP) is a frequent cause of anterior knee pain in sportspeople, especially those playing some sport that involves high-impact and rapid changes of direction and frequent lower-limb loading such as in cricket. The stress of patella is augmented by the activities and results in pain and functional performance decline. Strategies of rehabilitation which minimize the stress on the knee joints and maximizes strength, power and endurance are required. Elliptical training offers a low-impact aerobic alternative with negligible patellofemoral loading whereas cadence training highlights a controlled movement frequency and ideal movement patterns which may alleviate stress on the joints and increase neuromuscular coordination.

To compare the effects of cadence training versus elliptical training on pain, power, and endurance among cricketers with patellofemoral pain syndrome. It was a randomized clinical trial involving 48 cricketers aged between 18 35 years with positive patellofemoral compression test and at least 2 3 years of playing experience. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups (n = 24 each) and Group A was allocated to the cadence training and Group B to elliptical training. The sessions were conducted over six weeks with each session taking 45 minutes three times a week. The pre- and post-intervention measures were Vertical Jump Test (power), Wall Sit Test (endurance), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The paired, Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney and independent t tests were used to analyze the data and compare the within and between-group differences.

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Key information

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Age range

18 week–35 week

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18-35 years
Male Cricketers
Having acute & sub-acute patellofemoral pain
Positive patellofemoral compression test
Playing experience of 2-3 years

Exclusion criteria

Any fracture or trauma
Any neurological disorder
Any other musculoskeletal illness
Any systemic disease
Drug addicts player

Treatment and study plan

cadence training

Procedure

Cadence Training program was administered to Group A in a six-week period to enhance power, endurance, and knee stability among cricketers who had the patella femoral pain syndrome. Each session lasted 45 minutes, with a 5-minute warm-up of dynamic stretches to the lower body. The next thing was electrotherapy of 10 minutes to manage pain. The primary exercise was cadence training, which was to be gradually changed into moderate and then high-intensity training throughout the weeks, with the main aim being to keep the cadence steady at the station to improve the performance. Bodyweight squats, lunges were included as strength exercises, with repetitions progressing every week (10 to 20). At the end of every session, there was a 5 minutes cool-down of static stretching to enhance flexibility and aid in recovery

elliptical training

Procedure

Group B had a structured Elliptical Training program during the six weeks, which started with a 5-minute warm-up with dynamic stretches. The primary exercise was the elliptical intervals with the first weeks being steady-state cardio workouts and the second weeks using high-resistance intervals to develop power and endurance. This group also did bodyweight squats and lunges which were regularly done with body weight every week with repetitions of 10 to 20. At the end of every session, there was a 5 minute period of cool-down of static stretching which helped bring about recovery and flexibility

Primary outcomes

Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Time frame: 6 WEEKS

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (For Pain) The measure uses an eleven point numerical scale with a 0 meaning no pain, and a 10, which means pain as bad as you can imagine or worst pain imaginable.
VERTICAL JUMP TEST

Time frame: 6 WEEKS

A Vertical Jump Test (VJT) was used to determine power in the lower body. The participant measures their standing reach height and then leaps as high as possible using a jump mat or measuring tape and takes a record of the jump height. Two or three jumps are usually taken and the best result is taken to analyze it.
WALL SIT TEST FOR ENDURANCE

Time frame: 6 WEEKS

The Wall Sit Test (For Endurance) In the Wall Sit Test, the participants will be requested to sit with their knees bent against a wall in a 90-degree angle as long as they can. This is a functional endurance test which assesses the endurance of lower body muscles that are the quadriceps, hamstrings and the gluteal muscles.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Imran Amjad Phd, Phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324390125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Cadence Training vs Elliptical Training on Pain, Power and Endurance Among Cricketers With Pattelofemoral Pain Syndrome

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated: Feb 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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